I agree with Marybeth (Kuznik) that Vote by Mail in Pennsylvania could have some very deleterious results.

Greg Palast told everyone to GO to polls ... go early ...so if there is a problem it can be addressed. Seek to avoid both absentee and provisional ballots if at all possible.

I am very concerned that legislators are going to see VBM as quick, cheap, attractive", sounds good to citizens, fix ...and boy will we get "fixed"

CVI Philadelphia chapter does have members in Babette Josephs district and they are providing info though recently legislators have been tied up on budget.

Anyway, start listing your questions and we'll look to have VBM knowledgeable guests, hopefully including one from Oregon, on VoV (Voice of the Voters) as soon as possible. This is an issue we need to put a spotlight on and make sure we have good information provided.

This Wednesday, our guests include Steve Freeman of Penn- great researcher & writer. I'll check if he has specific data on VBM and if so, will include in the program. Mark Crispin Miller will also be guest.

There is one fact ...VBM DOES appear to increase the number of votes BUT the votes are for the top or "name" races and thenmthere is a drop in voting for other offices. This is not good. It shows further separation of voter from the real purpose of elections and also the importance of learning about all candidates and their positions. We need more citizen awareness and involvement in local decisions not just th big state or national.

VBM separates voter from community, a vital element in self governing. VBM seems in some instances to become more of a fast food order special or an "American Idol" type popularity contest....besides it's openness to fraud, intimidation etc etc - especially in PA.

Yes, we're all busy. Yes, we need to make it easier for more people to vote! But we also need informed voters who have facts recognize the importance.

As I have said before ... The real purpose of elections and voting is NOT the selection of candidates …that is a result. The ultimate and true purpose is the exercise of our duty to share together in the process of self governance. It is the basis of our representative democracy and is built both on individual voice speaking thru vote but also the coming together as a community.

There is something very sacred in actually going to the polling place with your neighbors knowing together you are making serious choices. Community is vital to democracy. We're already losing it in everyday life. Losing it in elections process will be another nail in coffin.

Sorry for being philosophical but I believe we can find better ways to make it convenient for voters to go to polls ...ways to reduce wait time and lines certainly an be addressed and improved.

Having citizens observe the process including vote counting all adds to citizens asserting their right and responsibility and sends a clear message that as Lincoln said "Elections belong to the people"... as does this government ...something which I think has been forgotten

By the way, VoV seeks to provide forum for information which of course includes guests perspective. I don't always agree with all points made. It's very comfortable to hear only what one agrees with yet in hearing differences, one has opportunity to evaluate and possibly learn. America was built on discussion/debate. As long as respectful of rights of others and done with civility, hearing differing views can stretch our thinking or perhaps reinforce our existing beliefs.

Co-Founder of the Coalition for Voting Integrity. Host of "Voice of the Voters! Radio & Internet. Nationally recognized expert in Quality, Process improvement and Change Management. Associate of the late Dr. W, Edwards Deming. Speaker/seminars at (more...)